Staunton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Springhouse
Fresh, Cool Water
A springhouse captured and protected the flow of an underground spring, giving families a reliable source of cool water for drinking and cooking. Its naturally chilled interior offered refrigeration, keeping dairy from spoiling.
Later Addition
It is possible a springhouse existed on the Barger farm in the 1850s. However, the cement mortar, troughs, and floor indicate that additional construction or renovation took place in the early twentieth century. This form is typical of springhouses built by Pennsylvania Germans, but the overhanging roof above the door is more common in the Valley of Virginia.
[Captions:]
Moving the springhouse in 2007.
Warter from the trough runs out of the rear of the building.
Erected by Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia; Americana Corner; American Frontier Culture Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 2007.
Location. 38° 7.626′ N, 79° 2.666′ W. Marker is in Staunton, Virginia. It
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Valley of Virginia, 1850s (a few steps from this marker); Appalachian Virginia, 1850s (a few steps from this marker); Schoolhouse, 1840s (a few steps from this marker); Meat House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Appalachian Virginia, 1850s (within shouting distance of this marker); Root Cellar (within
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 1, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
